UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Registration is now open for the 2026 Undergraduate Exhibition for Research, Inquiry, and Creative Activity, an annual event showcasing scholarly and creative work from Penn State undergraduates across all campuses and majors.
The virtual exhibition will take place April 20-22, and all participants are required to submit a virtual presentation. The in‑person poster session will be held 10-11:30 a.m. and noon–1:30 p.m. April 22 in Alumni Hall at the HUB–Robeson Center, Penn State University Park. Each student participant will be judged by faculty, post-docs or emeriti faculty and prizes will be awarded for various categories.
In addition, the School of Music will host “An Evening of Creative Inquiry in Music” at 7:30 p.m. on April 21 at the Recital Hall.
Applications are open now on Symposium and close March 17. Applicants will need to create a Symposium account if they don’t already have one.
Exhibition formats
Students may enter work in one of four three presentation formats:
- Traditional research poster — virtual required, in-person available
- Oral research presentation — virtual only, five minutes; ideal for disciplines not suited to posters, such as studio art or design
- Performance — virtual only five‑minute performance in music, writing, poetry, dance, theater or related areas
Students from all Penn State campuses and all majors are invited to participate. Course‑based projects, independent research and creative work are all eligible.
Virtual presentation requirements
All Undergraduate Exhibition participants must submit a presentation for the virtual component of the event. Poster presenters will upload a PDF of their poster and a brief video or audio narration explaining their work. Applicants will receive login information and upload instructions through Symposium.
In-person poster session
Students who wish to participate in the in-person poster session must indicate their intent during registration. Posters will be displayed in Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center, and presenters are required to remain with their posters for the full event. Judges from a variety of academic backgrounds will visit posters throughout the session.
Guidance is available online about creating effective research posters, along with workshops and preparation events offered by the University Libraries and Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring (URFM).
Additional opportunities
Undergraduates are encouraged to attend the Graduate Exhibition on Friday, March 27, to gain a deeper understanding of academic exhibitions. Additional information about the Graduate Exhibition’s virtual and in-person events is available online.
The Undergraduate Exhibition is coordinated by Penn State Undergraduate Education.